Here's a breakdown:
Similarities:
* Common ancestor: Both languages descend from Proto-Slavic, meaning they share a common root.
* Similar grammatical structures: They share some grammatical features like case declension and verb conjugation.
* Similar vocabulary: Some basic vocabulary words are recognizable between the two languages.
Differences:
* Pronunciation: While there are some similarities, pronunciation differences can be significant, making understanding difficult for speakers of both languages.
* Vocabulary: While some words are similar, others are quite different.
* Grammar: Although they share some features, there are substantial differences in grammar rules, especially in declension and verb conjugation.
Mutual intelligibility:
Generally speaking, Czech and Polish are not mutually intelligible. While speakers may pick up some words and phrases, they will struggle to understand full conversations or complex texts.
Analogy:
Think of it like Spanish and Portuguese. While they share a lot in common, significant differences exist that make them distinct languages.
Conclusion:
Czech and Polish are related languages, but they are not as close as some might assume. While some similarities exist, the differences in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar make them distinct languages.